I have a 63 330 I recently removed the rear from. It has the 2 piece axles with the locknut. Is there any reason I can't save it and order a set of axles from Dr. Diff to convert it to a 65 design? I noticed the backing plates were different but if using the newer backing plates and drums (65 up)I can't see any reason this shouldn't work?
Thx...

Ask Cass at Dr Diff about this

If you have it apart and you have a complete late model axle on hand, just slide it in and see if the bearing fits and the retainer flange bolts line up.

Kevin.

Are you going racing?? If not, I have to ask why you feel the need to swap to the later axles. If its because you want to use the later slip on drums you can do an easy conversion for less than $100.

Slip on Drums for Tapered Axle rears.

Dr. Diff has the conversion axles for '62-'63 B-bodies.

Simply removing the drum from the hub is OK for brake work but you still have to deal with removing the hub/backing plate if you want to change third members.

The reason I ask is that it is a very greasy housing under a really rusted up car and when cleaned up has little to no pitting whatsoever. (A little on one tube)
The housing is in better shape than the 65 housing I already have for the Coronet. I need something that is slightly narrower to fit the aluminum slots and slicks on the rear without anything hitting the outer wheel house. Maybe I need to just set them side by side and check everything out...

running outside....

Alright I measured from axle flange to axle flange:
63 Dodge is 53 and 5/16
65 Dodge is 54 and 5/16
looking at the available spline on the factory 65 axles they may be about 1/8" too long on each one. The axles I got from Cass for the Dart and Satellite were splined much deeper than stock. It should work fine with aftermarket axles...
1st pic is the 63 axles...
2nd pic is the 63 housing width...
3rd pic is the 65 housing width...
4th pic is the 65 axles...

FWIW, the conversion axles require the use of Green axle bearings because the pre-'65 housing ends are too shallow to allow the use of an inner seal. (bearing retaining collar hits the seal)

I now carry narrow lock rings that clear the inner seal.